It was with some trepidation that I filed in to Fowler’s Live for my first proper all-metal gig, Greek God of Guitar Gus G’s Firewind supported by Adelaide’s own Matronarch and Raven Black Night. Well prepared, having worn my darkest (blue) t-shirt and packed my Medicare card just in case it got a bit willing, I was well excited to see the guy named Guitar Player magazine readers’ Best Metal Guitarist of 2013. Even though I’d not heard of him or them until asked to do the review, which is kind of why I wanted to do this in the first place!
I would have to wait to experience Gus’ wizardry though, as first up were local old-school metal fiends Raven Black Night. Fronted by lead guitarist/vocalist Jim Petkoff (aka The White Knight) who had some skills for sure, these old blokes (bar the drummer!) are obviously big fans of the metal they heard in their youth, and when they finished up with a cover of Sabbath’s Paranoid it was certainly not out of place. A good introduction to what was to follow.
I would have to wait to experience Gus’ wizardry though, as first up were local old-school metal fiends Raven Black Night. Fronted by lead guitarist/vocalist Jim Petkoff (aka The White Knight) who had some skills for sure, these old blokes (bar the drummer!) are obviously big fans of the metal they heard in their youth, and when they finished up with a cover of Sabbath’s Paranoid it was certainly not out of place. A good introduction to what was to follow.
Next up were Matronarch, another (younger) Adelaide metal act who’d just returned home from Sydney for tonight’s gig and one at Enigma Bar this Saturday night (you could do worse!), before taking a break to finish writing their debut album. Exciting times for them! A bit more polish and energy from these guys (and girl Nina on keys), especially vocalist Hew, who treated us to some awesome Jack Black-like moves in limited space on the small Fowler’s stage. Thoroughly enjoyed their set, and I look forward to checking out the album when it comes out. Good luck with that guys (and Nina), keep fighting the good fight for SA music!
Then, the moment everyone was waiting for, the Greek God of Guitar (apparently it says that on his passport?) himself Gus G and Firewind made their way out after an awesome build-up of light and sound. It was immediately apparent the differences between these guys who’ve been plying their trade for 15+ years and have released seven albums and the guys who are just starting out. Not taking away from the guys who were on before, but these guys had their show polished to perfection. The quality of musicianship, not just from Gus but the whole band was exemplary. In particular recent addition, Belgian drummer Johan Nunez, whose machine-gun-like double-kicking and drumming overall was a thing to behold. New singer Kelly from Texas has a wicked voice and does his best to not be completely outshone, but the star of the show is undoubtedly Gus. The things that man can do on the axe… Wow! I found myself craning my neck to make sure I didn’t miss any of his playing, but I needed it in slow motion at times as his fingers became a blur. I couldn’t help thinking how privileged we were to be seeing this guy at such close range, when I can imagine he would often play to much larger venues than Fowler’s Live. The punters were hanging on his every word, move and lick, and they were all such great show-men it was just so god-damn entertaining! The synchronised head-banging for one song was great, long hair going everywhere! I had a blast, and after an encore including a cool metal cover of Maniac from the Flashdance soundtrack (the only song I actually knew, sad but true!), it was all over, me with my metal cherry well and truly FUBAR and left scratching my head wondering what I’ve been doing all these years!
Review by Paul Chivell
Photos by Melissa Donato
Review by Paul Chivell
Photos by Melissa Donato
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